Okange m



' (No Model.)

0. M. SWEET. STEP LADDER.

No. 273,188. Patented Feb.27, 1883.

Q2. dF%./M zwmzfl. 1, %%4w wim y. 77Z;ze,r,re,r. jiz arwyr N. PETERS.Pholo-Liihugmphar. Washinsinn. D. (L

v UNITED. STATES PATENT OFFICE.

' ORANGE SWEET, OF FORESTVILLE, NEW YORK.

STEP-LADDER.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 273,188, dated February27, 1883.

Application filed April 25, 1882. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ORANGE M. SWEET, of Forestville, in the county ofChautauqua and b'tate of New York, have invented a new anti usefulImprovement in Step-Ladders, of which the following is a specification.

The object of this invention is to produce a light, strong, and simplestep-ladder which can be readily adjusted to stand at differentinclinations; and my invention consists of the peculiar construction ofthe body of the ladder, as will be hereinafter fully described, andpointed out in the claim.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical section of myimproved step-ladder set up for use. Fig. 2 is a rear elevation, showingthe ladder folded up. Fig. 3 is a horizontal section in line a; a),Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a partly-sectional view, on an enlarged scale, of themeans whereby the end of the brace is adj ustabl y attached to the bodyof the ladder.

Like letters of reference refer to like parts in the several figures.

A'A represent the side pieces of the body of the ladder, each composedof a single piece of wood of suitable size, and each provided with alongitudinal slot, at, which is formed by sawing a strip out of eachside piece.

B represents thesteps, arranged between the side pieces, A, and securedto the upper sides of cross-pieces b, which project into the slots at ofthe side pieces, and are secured therein by nails driven through theside pieces and the ends ot'the cross-pieces. The crosspieces connectand brace the side pieces,,and at the same time support the steps,thereby forming a very strong and light step-frame.

- 0 represents the standard, which is hinged with its upper end to thetop piece, D, of the ladder, and E is the brace which connects the lowerpart of the standard with the body of the ladder. The brace E is hingedwith its lower end to a cross-piece, f, of the standard, and passes withits opposite end through a perforated plate or sleeve, G, which issecured to one of the steps B and projects rearwardly therefrom. The endof thebrace is provided,

above the sleeve or plate G, with an enlarge.

ment or shoulder, h, which prevents the end of the brace from beingdrawn downwardly through the opening of the plate Gr, so as todisconnect the brace from said plate.

11 is a set-screw which works in a screwthreaded opening in the rearportion of the sleeve or plate G, and which bears upon the brace. Uponloosening the set-screw i the brace can be moved in the opening of theplate or sleeve G to adjust the inclination of the standard, or to foldup the ladder, and by tightening the set-screw the brace is secured inthe desired position. The shoulder h at the end of the brace preventsthe latter from becoming disconnected from the body of the" ladder it'the set-screw should become loose, thereby preventing the standard fromswinging farther from the body than is proper or safe. The plate G ispreferably constructed of malleable or other suitable metal.

I am aware that it is not new to construct the side pieces of thestep-frame with longitudinal slots, and the steps with tenons fitting inthese slots and against the edges of the side pieces, to which they aresecured by rivets; and Iain aware that it is not new to construct theouter sides of the side pieces of the step-frame of the step-ladder andthe under sides of the

